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Tuesday, Truist Securities adjusted their outlook on Huntington Bancshares (NASDAQ:HBAN), currently trading at $13.47, reducing the price target to $17 from the previous $21, while continuing to endorse the stock with a Buy rating. According to InvestingPro data, seven analysts have recently revised their earnings estimates upward, suggesting broader market confidence in the company’s prospects. Brian Foran of Truist Securities justified the revised price target by pointing to increased recession risks, despite acknowledging a stronger than anticipated performance in the first quarter of 2025 and a positive full-year guidance for 2025. The bank’s current P/E ratio of 10.18 suggests attractive valuation relative to its near-term earnings growth potential.
Foran noted that the earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been raised by 7% and 1%, reaching $1.50 and $1.65 respectively. The upward revision was attributed to better-than-expected net interest income and first-quarter results. Truist’s projections align with the company’s guidance for the second quarter of 2025 and the full year.
The decision to lower the one-year-out target multiple to 10.5 times was driven by a heightened risk of recession, which influenced the new price target. Nonetheless, the firm’s Buy rating reflects confidence in Huntington Bancshares’ strengths. These include robust loan growth in new markets and sectors, a diverse and expanding portfolio of fee-based revenue streams, well-controlled expenses and credit operations, and a strong adjusted capital position. The bank has maintained dividend payments for 55 consecutive years, currently offering a 4.6% yield. InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently trading below its Fair Value, with detailed metrics and additional insights available in the comprehensive Pro Research Report.
Huntington Bancshares’ recent performance and guidance have set a positive tone for its operational strategy. Truist’s continued support, despite the lower price target, suggests a belief in the bank’s ability to navigate through potential economic challenges while capitalizing on growth opportunities.
In other recent news, Huntington Bancshares reported impressive first-quarter 2025 results, surpassing analysts’ expectations with earnings per share of $0.34, compared to the forecasted $0.31. The company also exceeded revenue projections, posting $1.94 billion against an anticipated $1.89 billion. This strong performance was marked by an 11% increase in net interest income, highlighting the bank’s ability to leverage favorable interest rate conditions. In addition, Huntington Bancshares achieved a net interest margin of 3.10%, up by seven basis points from the previous quarter. DA Davidson maintained a Buy rating on Huntington Bancshares, although it lowered the price target to $18 from $19, reflecting a more conservative near-term valuation. The firm cited Huntington’s solid loan growth and peer-leading positive operating leverage as reasons for its continued confidence. Huntington’s strategic expansion in capital markets and geographic presence was also noted, despite ongoing economic uncertainties. The bank’s credit trends remain positive, with strong capital ratios reinforcing its robust financial position.
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